Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons^™

Examining Challenges For Sociology Master’S Degree Students At California State University, David Ortuno

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to identify the lived experiences of CSU sociology graduate students pursuing a master’s degree. Seven sociology graduate students from six of the eight (75%) total sociology MA programs throughout the entire CSU system were interviewed. Their responses were designed to analyze the support systems and challenges they face while pursuing a master's degree, as well as to investigate whether their experiences correlate with or fail to correlate with the promises in the CSU mission statement, and to answer the study’s research questions and achieve the purpose of this qualitative study.

Four themes emerged from …

Crafting Ethnography: A Review, Kathleen M. Lind

The Qualitative Report

This review explores Paul Atkinson's (2022) Crafting Ethnography, the fourth installment in his series on ethnographic research. The book presents a compelling case for Embodied Ethnography as Atkinson writes of his thick participation in various introductory crafting classes, including glassblowing, pottery, silversmithing, spoon-making, life drawing, digital photography, and perfume blending. By emphasizing sensory engagement and short-term, focused fieldwork, Atkinson challenges traditional notions of ethnographic immersion. I review and critique this text as a second-year doctoral student with the hopes of understanding more about qualitative research and design. Throughout this review, I examine the book as a supplemental tool that …

Methodological Aspects In The Construction Of The Protocol In Semi-Structured Interviews, Eli Malvaceda-Espinoza, Gianpiero Flores-Pereyra

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study is to identify the methodological aspects in the construction of the semi-structured interview protocol. The development of the protocol implies the methodological articulation (i.e. the coherence between question, objective, research object, design, scenario, participants, and the technique to be used). Regarding the construction of the semi-structured interview protocol, four specific phases are considered: (1) the identification of the research topics, (2) the construction of the interview script, (3) the external evaluation of the protocol, and (4) the piloting and fine-tuning of the protocol. Each of these phases guarantee greater rigor in the qualitative research under …

Education For A Shared Society In Wartime: A Faculty Of Education Dean’S Autoethnography, Ilana Paul-Binyamin

The Qualitative Report

My autoethnographic study emerged in the wake of the Hamas–Israel war that began on October 7, 2023, placing me in a dual position as both an academic leader and a member of a society in crisis. As Dean of a multicultural Faculty of Education, I reflect on how the war disrupted longstanding efforts to promote shared society education between Jews and Arabs. Drawing on personal narratives, reflective fieldnotes, and case studies from campus life, I explore how trauma, fear, and political polarization undermined the multicultural frameworks I had developed over years of practice. I document moments of rupture—between students, faculty, …

Future Teachers’ Views On Their Science Teachers: A Case Of Turkey, Mehmet Karakaş

The Qualitative Report

Here future elementary and middle school teachers reflect on their experiences with science teachers encountered throughout their education and highlight their characteristics. The aim of the study was to create a program where teachers were given the explicit opportunity to reflect on their experiences through journaling that promoted reflective thought. Participants were 173 non-science and 120 science major prospective teachers enrolled in a small university in northeastern Turkey. Data were collected using document analysis. Findings show that effective science teachers do experiments, use teaching materials, and show special interest in students; also, their positive personality affected students’ positive attitude towards …

Family Cohesion As A Mediator Of The Impact Of Internal Locus Of Control On Students' Career Maturity: A Path Analysis, Rina Sangadah, Dwi Yuwono Puji Sugiharto, Heru Mugiarso

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigates the function of family cohesion as a mediator between internal locus of control and career maturity among vocational high school students. The primary aim of this study is to examine how individuals' ideas regarding their power over their life (internal locus of control) affect their preparedness to make career decisions and the degree to which familial harmony and support mediate this relationship. This study employs a quantitative methodology via a survey approach. Data were gathered from 381 twelfth-grade vocational high school students in Purbalingga Regency, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling methods. The utilized instruments included the internal …

Exploring The Impact Of Inpatient Mental Health Care On Adolescents, Alexandria M. Mckahan

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Adolescent psychiatric hospitalizations continue to rise, yet there is limited research on which daily practices inside inpatient units genuinely support engagement and recovery. This project examined how structure, staff tone, and therapeutic programming influence adolescents’ participation and emotional stability within a real inpatient setting. The study focused on three questions: how structured routines affect recovery, what challenges staff face when supporting adolescents with complex needs, and how adolescents’ engagement patterns reflect their perception of care. Using a mixed-methods case study at Mesa Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, I conducted approximately twenty field observations, semi-structured staff interviews, and descriptive engagement tracking across …

Teaching Note - Embedding The Human Library Experience Within Social Work Curriculum, Emily M. Paine

Social Work Faculty Works

The Human Library is a global initiative designed to challenge stereotypes and foster dialogue through storytelling and presents a unique opportunity for experiential learning within social work education. This teaching note explores how the Human Library framework can be integrated into social work curriculum in alignment with the 2022 Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, with particular emphasis on Competency 3: Engaging in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice. When embedded in coursework, the Human Library enables students to engage in brave and authentic conversations with storytellers who share aspects of their lived experiences, promoting mutuality, …

Exploring Hiring Managers’ Strategies For Recruiting Diverse Educators In A Southeastern State, Keisa K. Davis Ma

Dissertations

This dissertation examined the strategies applied by hiring managers within one state in the southeastern United States to recruit diverse teachers. The purpose of the study was to explore hiring managers’ experiences and knowledge of minority teacher recruitment. The primary research question for this study was: What strategies do hiring managers in the school district under study find most effective in overcoming barriers to recruiting minority educators, and how do they measure their success? Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic coding was used to arrive at emerging themes, patterns, and perceptions. The findings revealed that while hiring managers …

Teachers’ Experiences With Physical Or Verbal Aggression In The Aftermath Of Covid-19, Juana M. Lang, Lucinda A. Hines, Karen Johnson

The Qualitative Report

This hermeneutical phenomenology study explored teachers’ lived experiences facing verbal or physical aggression from students after schools reopened post-COVID-19. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Heider’s Attribution Theory, and Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Stress Theory, the study addressed the research question: What were teachers’ lived experiences with verbal or physical aggression from students after the first wave of COVID-19? Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used in the study. The sample included four teachers (two middle schools and two high schools) from the Southeastern U.S. Data were collected through open-ended iterative interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed four themes: teachers …

"We Blink With One Eye Open. They Sleep With One Eye Close": A Qualitative Analysis Of Conflict And Resolution From The Perspective Of Correctional Staff, Staci M. Richardson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Arts by Staci M. Richardson on November 17, 2025.

9th Gsep Research Symposium - 2025

GSEP Research Symposium

The Ninth Annual GSEP Research Symposium, themed "Building Bridges to Elevate Humanity: Innovations and Insights in Education and Psychology", was hosted by the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) on June 19–20, 2025, at the historic Château d’Hauteville in Switzerland and virtually via Zoom.

This hybrid symposium convened a vibrant global community of students, alumni, faculty, and scholars to share research that addresses real-world challenges, advances scholarly inquiry, and builds pathways for inclusive collaboration and leadership. Spanning a wide array of topics—from artificial intelligence and mental health to trauma-informed practices, educational equity, social justice, and cross-cultural leadership—the …

Collaborative Reflections On A Practical Journey Through Transcendental Phenomenology Data Analysis, Tyler Kulp, Hissah Alzahrani, Michele Parker

The Qualitative Report

Although transcendental phenomenology is widely recognized in qualitative research, there is limited discussion of how researchers come to understand and apply its methods in practice. This paper examines how reflective collaboration enhances the understanding and use of transcendental phenomenological analysis. It involves the first author, a recent doctoral graduate, the second author, a current doctoral student, and the third author, the doctoral advisor, using a collaborative approach. We draw upon the first author’s dissertation, providing clear, actionable guidance for simplifying the analysis process. The discussion highlights the value of collaborative reflection in making the methodology more accessible and enriching understanding …

"Incredibly Powerful And Well-Crafted" - A Review Of Pandemic Death Discourse: Denial, Disparity And The Promise Of Communication, Elda Kanzki-Veloso Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

This book analysis, focused on Pandemic Death Discourse: Denial, Disparity and the Promise of Communication (Alvarez et al., 2025), expressed a deeply human expectation from readers. The reviewer wanted more than just straightforward facts; there was a deep yearning for real emotion, personal stories, and meaningful connections that helped people cope with fear and uncertainty. They emphasized the importance of immersing readers in the rich experiences of grief, resilience, and hope. There was a need to feel the heavy impact of overlooked lives. The desire for a sense of outrage regarding the disposable nature of certain lives emerged, as well …

Learning How To Interview For Qualitative Research, Kathryn Roulston, Brigette A. Herron, Caprial Farrington

The Qualitative Report

A key component of qualitative methods coursework has been the interview assignment, which typically prepares scholars to conduct in-person, individual, and open-ended interviews. This study examined what novice researchers did and learned during an interview assignment in an introductory qualitative methods course. Interview transcripts and reflections from 12 graduate students who enrolled in an online or face-to-face section of the course were analyzed. Findings review students’ reflections on the process of conducting the interview project, beginning with the preparation phase, what they discussed concerning how the interviews transpired and their experiences of the transcription process. The article reports on how …

Preparation, Development, And Refinement Of The Interview Protocol In Qualitative Research, David C. Coker, Adebowale Akande

The Qualitative Report

Interview protocols are by far the most common method utilized in qualitative research data collection. Novice and experienced researchers, from working on dissertations to grant proposals or other publications, often lack detailed interview design methods, as many educational programs do not require specific coursework on interview protocols and question development. To improve qualitative research, we make a proposal to incorporate an interdisciplinary approach that operationalizes three stages: preparation, development, and refinement. Preparation involves mapping the extant literature to define broad, narrow, and focused topics to write actionable standards, goals, and objectives. Development uses instructional design and educational psychology to construct …

Characterization Of Undergraduate Biology Instructors’ Goals And Strategies For Implementing Quantitative Reasoning, Anum Khushal

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Quantitative reasoning (QR) is the application of mathematics and statistics to real-life and scientific contexts. It is essential for understanding complex biological phenomena and analyzing large datasets in both academic and professional settings. In response to the growing demand for QR skills, biology educators and researchers have engaged in curricular reforms and education research. This qualitative study explores how undergraduate biology instructors integrate QR into their teaching using a framework informed by pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and QR. The study involved 21 biology faculty from various U.S. institutions who intentionally incorporated QR in their instruction. Data was collected through semi-structured …

Navigating Spaces: Understanding Lgbtq+ Families Who Homeschool Amid Shifting Legislative And Societal Landscapes, Ana Ferrante

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the motivations and lived experiences of caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth who chose homeschooling amid escalating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan, 1980) and Queer Theory (Chevrette, 2013), the study examined how caregivers navigated educational decisions to construct affirming, identity-conscious learning environments in response to exclusionary policies and systemic marginalization. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four caregivers residing in politically conservative states in the U.S.. The findings revealed that homeschooling functioned both as a protective measure against institutional harm and as a proactive strategy for fostering …

Exploring Giftedness And The Gifted Learner In Education And Beyond: An Autoethnographic Study With Critical Friends, Katrina Reynen-Woodward, Penny N. Round Dr, Pearl Subban, Edwin Creely

The Qualitative Report

The concept of giftedness is complex, contested and evolving and may be thus frustratingly challenging to apply in practice. One area of emerging research is understanding the personal experiences of those who identify as gifted in order to better represent the myriad culturally diverse conceptions of giftedness that evolve over a lifetime. In this article, I employ an autoethnographic approach to explore aspects of my adult identity as an atypical learner. This journey unfolds in crafted vignettes that reveal the complexities and multi-dimensionality of my learning and are analysed using Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). As I …

A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About The Relationships Between Obesity And Women’S Health Concerns In The Reproductive System, Breast, And Endometrial Health, Batul Mirza

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many …

Navigating Uncertainty In Doctoral Education, Megan K. Mitchell, Audra Skukauskaitė, Lakelyn E. Taylor, Kathryn Babb, Nicole Narkiewicz, Joseph E. Lloyd

The Qualitative Report

The shift to more virtual learning during and since the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted in-person doctoral education by limiting opportunities for face-to-face academic socialization, networking, and collaborative learning, prompting questions about how graduate students could sustain their scholarly development through online spaces. This study examines how graduate students who joined the Qualitative Research Club, a virtual interdisciplinary student organization, co-constructed a shared academic culture, or languaculture, through their interactions. Using an Interactional Ethnographic approach, we analyzed video and audio recordings, meeting artifacts, and discourse from club meetings to trace members' participation, identity development, co-construction of knowledge, and development of …

Navigating Identity Tensions And Emotional Struggles: Indonesian Pre-Service Teachers In The Teaching Practicum, Afrianto Daud, Minh Hue Nguyen, Raqib Chowdhury

The Qualitative Report

Despite the critical role of teaching practicums in teacher education, little is known about how pre-service teachers navigate emotional tensions in Indonesia. In this study, we aim to explore the nature of tensions and emotional struggles pre-service teachers face and their coping mechanisms. Seven pre-service teachers from the English Education department at an Indonesian public university were purposefully selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews before the practicum and a focused group discussion after the program. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to capture rich, in-depth accounts of participants’ experiences, while thematic analysis provided a structured approach to …

Conceptualizing The Explanatory Fully Longitudinal Mixed Methods Case Study Design: A Demonstration With An Arithmetic Education Trial With Kindergarten Children, Menglong Cong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In employing longitudinal mixed methods designs, researchers have commonly used the fully longitudinal mixed methods design. This has occurred mostly in the health sciences but less in education. The current investigation proposes a novel longitudinal mixed methods research design, explanatory fully longitudinal mixed methods case study design. It demonstrates its potential for addressing research inquiries in educational research using the arithmetic learning trajectories datasets. This study is presented in three components. The first is a quantitative phase, selecting an exploratory case from a previous arithmetic learning trajectories study (Clements et al., 2021) for qualitative analyses based on maximizing the …

A Teacher, A Supervisor, An Undefined Self, Alexa Muse

The Qualitative Report

This article follows the experiences and reflections of an American high school English teacher while evolving a single tenth grade memoir and grammar unit into a published student-led research project over the span of 3 years. As a partner piece, this article supplements my students’ published project, titled “A Teacher, a Tutor, a Friend,” that explores ChatGPT and student perspectives through a thematic discourse analysis under the framework of Figured Worlds (Holland et al., 1998); as their teacher-turned-supervisor, I found that preparing 10th grade students—now called the Lexington Student Research and Publication Collaborative—to grapple with such complex material was a …

Teachers' Knowledge And Understanding Of Physical Literacy In Physical Education Learning: A Phenomenological Approach, Johan Irmansyah, Maulidin Maulidin, Herman Syah, Edi Kurniawan

The Qualitative Report

This study explores the knowledge and understanding of elementary school physical education (PE) teachers regarding the concept of physical literacy (PL) through a phenomenological approach. PL encompasses fundamental movement skills, as well as the knowledge, motivation, and confidence necessary for lifelong participation in physical activities. Ten PE teachers with over 10 years of teaching experience were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using inductive content analysis with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. The findings reveal that many teachers hold misconceptions about PL, often prioritizing the mastery of physical abilities while overlooking …

A Teacher, A Tutor, A Friend: Chatgpt And The High School Experience, Saisha Gupta, Vivek Mehta, Rebecca Kam, Caroline Ehmann, Alma Orgad, Emily Kuang, Alejandro Castro Barrantes, Matthew Posada, Samay Shah, Nikhita Prasad, Tara Pai, Eileen Ho, Shirley Xi, Tianyi Zhou, Elaina Li, Stephanie Wan, Shreya Paranjape, Zoe Dearling, Siqi (Grace) Peng, Aanya Kaveti, Gwendolyn Lowrance, Angela Ziyi Xie, Mira Xu, Adhiti Hariram, Alexa Muse

The Qualitative Report

Given the increasing emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, high school students' perspectives on ChatGPT are underrepresented in current research literature. As high school student researchers in an English Language Arts course, we approached this gap in literature by asking the question: In what ways do pressures within high school communities influence students’ perspectives on justifying or rejecting the use of ChatGPT? We interviewed 24 secondary students and conducted a thematic and discourse analysis, coding the interviews through the lenses of social goods (Gee, 2014), Figured Worlds (Holland et al., 1998), and positioning theory (Holland et al., 1998; Ingram …

The White Elephant In The Classroom: Using Local History And Resource Pedagogies To Remove It, Dawn N. Colquitt-Anderson

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Years of scholarship outline the benefits of asset-based pedagogy for all students, especially the culturally and linguistically diverse students who are now the majority student population in public schools. But there is scant research on how experienced in-service teachers modify their practices and beliefs to adequately prepare these students for 21st century leadership. This sequential mixed methods case study examined the efforts of elementary and middle school teachers as they grappled with personal, professional, and systemic barriers that arose as they worked to strengthen their cultural and community responsiveness by centering the local history of a historic great migration town.

The Voices Of Black Motherscholars: Navigating Academia, Motherhood, And Beyond, Danae Peterson

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The experiences of Black women in academia are shaped by the intersection of multiple, often conflicting identities. As mothers and scholars, Black women navigate the complex terrain of competing responsibilities, societal expectations, and institutional barriers, all while striving to achieve personal and professional aspirations. This daily balancing act is complicated by the compounded effects of racism and sexism in academia, coined as misogynoir (Bailey, 2018). Misogynoir, a specific form of anti-Black racist misogyny, manifests through stereotyping, marginalization, and invisibility affecting Black women’s ability to thrive in academic spaces that were not designed with them in mind (Patton & Njoku, 2019). …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

Breaking The Pipeline: Exploring Exclusionary Discipline, Restorative Justice, And The Attitudes And Beliefs Of Educators, Ericka J. Varnedoe

Honors College Theses

This study explores the connection between exclusionary disciplinary practices and the school-to-prison pipeline. It highlights how exclusionary discipline, including suspensions and expulsions, disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth, further contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. In contrast, restorative justice, a non-punitive approach, offers a promising alternative. Initially adopted from the criminal justice system, restorative justice has been integrated into school environments to foster positive school climates, improve experiences, and mitigate challenging behaviors. This research examines educators' attitudes toward both exclusionary and restorative practices, as well as their awareness and implementation of restorative …